The Diadora Atomo Star is a cushioned running shoe. This year they have become even softer – nitrogen infused foam makes them softer than ever before. It is also worth mentioning their unique origin – made from start to finish in Northern Italy, they stand out from mass production. Among Diadora shoes? Number one. Is it worth it? If you dream of running on clouds, yes.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Diadora Atomo Star is a highly cushioned hard surface running shoe. Perfect for runners with a higher body weight – even well over 90 kg – it guarantees comfort and protection for long and ultra-long distances. If you are looking for maximum softness and support when running in the urban jungle, you may have just found your perfect companion.
Pros
- very high cushioning and comfort
- good stability for a neutral shoe
- durable and hard-wearing
- reinforced toe cap
- very lightweight (among the 19% lightest max-cushioned shoes)
- made in Italy
Cons
- is not as responsive as some other running shoes
- may be too soft for some runners.
Diadora running shoes – lineup
In the world of Diadora shoes, the Atomo Star is a real star. Its prestige comes from the fact that it is made in Italy from A to Z, which is unique in a world dominated by Asian production. The construction itself is also one of the best Diadora models in terms of cushioning and comfort.
Too soft? Too much “cushioning”? If you prefer a firmer feel, Diadora has other options for you. Which ones? Check out the table below or take a look at the full shoe guide.
| LIGHTWEIGHT | NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Atomo Star | ||
| very high cushioning |  Nucleo 2 |  Vortice 9 |  Vigore 3 |
| high cushioning |  Volo 5 |
Similar to Diadora Atomo Star
The Atomo Star is a true “max-cushioned shoe” – its cushioning easily rivals iconic models like the Asics Gel-Nimbus and Hoka Bondi, and often surpasses them in terms of perceived softness. It’s a natural alternative to those shoes, making it just as comfortable and supportive, but with a unique Italian character that sets it apart from the competition.
Want even more cushioning? Check out our guide to the softest running shoes!
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | 43.5/35.5 | 8 | 305 | 265 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 | 38/28 | 10 | 289 | 257 | 180 |
| Diadora Atomo Star | 40/34 | 6 | 275 | 215 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 5 | 323 | 263 | 180 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 36/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 40/31 | 8 | 310 | 258 | 190 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | 37/27 | 10 | 286 | 250 | 190 |
Enormous cushioning
The biggest innovation over its predecessor, the Atomo V7000, is the use of a new foam. In the Atomo Star, the midsole is made of ANIMA N2, a technologically advanced nitrogen-infused foam that dynamically returns energy with every step. According to the manufacturer, it is 40% more responsive than classic EVA and 40% lighter, which translates into an even better running experience.
The Atomo Star’s stack height is an impressive 40mm under the heel and 34mm in the forefoot for men, and 40mm under the heel and 35mm in the forefoot for women. This makes it one of the highest stacked shoes on the market. This construction not only provides maximum cushioning, but also influences the overall characteristics of the shoe, making it an exceptionally soft and comfortable choice for long distance runners.
There’s no denying it – this is a shoe that’s all about softness and comfort. The previous version offered more than solid cushioning, but the ANIMA N2 takes it to a whole new level. The result? Your foot feels soft, plush and extremely springy. It’s the perfect choice for runners who prefer comfort, run long distances or weigh more, even up to 100kg. Lighter runners may even find the Atomo Star “too soft,” especially if they prefer more responsive shoes.
Such soft and springy midsoles often struggle with stability, and that is a risk here as well. However, contrary to expectations, the back of the shoe provides surprisingly good support. Still, the Atomo Star is not a shoe for overpronators or people with unstable ankles – it can make these problems worse. For runners with neutral feet who run straight, however, the stability and grip will be sufficient.
Smooth outsole for urban running
The outsole of the Diadora Atomo Star is made of Duratech 5000 rubber, but in a completely new version. Instead of the fine grid pattern of the previous model, we now have larger, rounded rubber elements. These cover about half of the sole, strategically reinforcing critical areas while leaving plenty of foam exposed.
This is not an aggressive outsole – its maximum depth is 0.9mm, which is more than enough for hard surfaces. The shoe is perfect for hard surfaces, pavement, and even compacted dirt trails.
Upper with quite a lot of reinforcements
The upper, like the previous model, is made of technical mesh with numerous reinforcements that resemble suede. As a result, the upper has a zoned structure – where it needs to be more breathable, there is mesh, and where it needs to be more durable, such as at the toe tips, there is a stiffer material. This toe reinforcement is unique. Currently, the vast majority of shoes do not have this reinforcement. The lack of this reinforcement makes the upper softer but less durable. In the case of the Atomo Star, durability was a priority.
The toe box on the Atomo Star is fairly standard. The upper is 104.7mm wide at its widest point, which is standard. However, the stiffer material is not very flexible. On the one hand, this makes the shoe fit snugly without unnecessary slack. On the other hand, it may bother runners with wider feet. It is worth trying the shoes on before buying.
The back of the shoe provides the solid support you would expect from a shoe in this class. This is thanks to the well-reinforced heel counter and well-fitting upper. The manufacturer did not skimp on soft padding, especially in the heel area, which results in exceptional comfort and a soft feel typical of a training shoe.
Lightweight for a max-cushioned shoe
According to the manufacturer, the men’s model weighs 275g and the women’s 215g, which is not much considering the maximum level of cushioning. In my size 12 US, the shoe weighs 323 grams, which is still a good result, especially for such a tall and soft model. It is also 10g heavier than its predecessor, but to be honest, the new model feels lighter thanks to the very soft and plush midsole.
What does that mean in practice? The Atomo Star is one of the 30% lightest training shoes that have appeared on the blog, and in the maximum cushioning category it is one of the 19% lightest.
Podsumowanie
Diadora Atomo Star is a maximally cushioned shoe with exceptional softness that combines Italian craftsmanship with modern ANIMA N2 foam. It is the perfect choice for runners who value comfort over long distances, especially those with a higher body weight, but its very soft construction may not appeal to those who prefer more responsive shoes. Other drawbacks include the limited flexibility of the upper and (for those with unstable ankle joints) moderate stability.
